<p class="bodytext">Opposition BJP members in the Legislative Council walked out in protest on Wednesday during the response of Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to the debate on drought.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The BJP lawmakers condemned the minister for blaming the Union government and walked out. Despite the protest, the House chairman continued with the proceedings.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In his reply, the minister stated that the government would distribute the remaining drought relief funds to farmers as soon as they receive the funds from the Centre.</p>.BJP MP Pratap Simha's role in Parliament security breach leads to chaos in Karnataka Assembly.<p class="bodytext">“We have announced Rs 2,000 for farmers because the relief funds from the Centre are delayed. This amount is a first instalment and we will calculate and release the additional amount once the Centre releases the funds,” said the minister.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The minister also noted that despite repeated requests, the Union Minister for Agriculture has not granted an appointment to the chief minister to discuss the state’s drought situation.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Karnataka is the second largest taxpayer in the country. We are asking for our rightful share from the Centre, not anything free,” said Krishna Byre Gowda. This comment triggered a reaction from the BJP members in the House.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Meanwhile, some members demanded a resolution, urging the Centre to release the requested funds under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF).</p>.<p class="bodytext">The minister also urged the passing of a resolution, across political <br />affiliations, on behalf of the state.</p>.<p class="bodytext">However, Krishna Byre Gowda warned that the drought situation in the state is expected to worsen in January 2024, and the state government has made advanced preparations.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“We are facing a severe drought this year, and the situation will worsen in January. Currently, there is not much problem with drinking water; out of 30,000 villages, only 115 are facing issues. But we are aware that the situation will change in the coming days,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">As per the details provided by the minister, the government is supplying water to 26 villages through tankers and to 89 villages through privately rented borewells.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In cities, only four wards are relying on water tankers. The department has identified 6,237 villages and 914 wards as vulnerable.</p>
<p class="bodytext">Opposition BJP members in the Legislative Council walked out in protest on Wednesday during the response of Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to the debate on drought.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The BJP lawmakers condemned the minister for blaming the Union government and walked out. Despite the protest, the House chairman continued with the proceedings.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In his reply, the minister stated that the government would distribute the remaining drought relief funds to farmers as soon as they receive the funds from the Centre.</p>.BJP MP Pratap Simha's role in Parliament security breach leads to chaos in Karnataka Assembly.<p class="bodytext">“We have announced Rs 2,000 for farmers because the relief funds from the Centre are delayed. This amount is a first instalment and we will calculate and release the additional amount once the Centre releases the funds,” said the minister.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The minister also noted that despite repeated requests, the Union Minister for Agriculture has not granted an appointment to the chief minister to discuss the state’s drought situation.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Karnataka is the second largest taxpayer in the country. We are asking for our rightful share from the Centre, not anything free,” said Krishna Byre Gowda. This comment triggered a reaction from the BJP members in the House.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Meanwhile, some members demanded a resolution, urging the Centre to release the requested funds under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF).</p>.<p class="bodytext">The minister also urged the passing of a resolution, across political <br />affiliations, on behalf of the state.</p>.<p class="bodytext">However, Krishna Byre Gowda warned that the drought situation in the state is expected to worsen in January 2024, and the state government has made advanced preparations.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“We are facing a severe drought this year, and the situation will worsen in January. Currently, there is not much problem with drinking water; out of 30,000 villages, only 115 are facing issues. But we are aware that the situation will change in the coming days,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">As per the details provided by the minister, the government is supplying water to 26 villages through tankers and to 89 villages through privately rented borewells.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In cities, only four wards are relying on water tankers. The department has identified 6,237 villages and 914 wards as vulnerable.</p>